Apparatus for separating original and copy sheets in a duplicator

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for feeding original and copy sheets in a duplicator having an improved copyboard containing a radiation-transmissive plate adapted to carry superposed thereon the original and copy sheets with the original disposed between the plate and the copy sheet, the copyboard being linearly reciprocatable between a loading station, at which the original and copy sheets may be positioned on the plate, and an exposure station, at which the copy sheet is exposed through the radiation-transmissive plate and the original sheet and is thereafter removed for further processing. At the end of each exposure cycle, the copyboard moves back to the loading station carrying thereon the original sheet for the initiation of a subsequent sequence. Also disclosed are method and apparatus for accurately registering the copy sheet and original sheet on the copyboard and method and apparatus for separating the exposed copy sheet from the original sheet.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 440,457, filed Feb. 7, 1974now U.S. Pat. No. 3,891,318.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is described but not claimed in commonly assignedcopending application U.S. Ser. No. 339,284 for MICROFICHE DUPLICATORfiled Mar. 8, 1973, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,836,252 in the names of jointinventors Albert Francis Touchette and Nils L. Hakanson, the formerbeing the sole inventor of the subject invention. The disclosure of thepresent invention in U.S. Ser. No. 339,284, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,836,252was derived from the present applicant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to registering a plurality ofthin sheets of material, transporting them while registered through aprocessing station, and separating the sheets from each other. Theinvention more particularly relates to registering a copy sheet and anoriginal sheet of film on a copyboard for transporting the film throughan exposure station of a photographic duplicator and separating the copyfilm from the copyboard while leaving the original thereon.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As a result of the growing volume of documentary material presentlybeing stored in photographic form, the need has arisen for a versatilephotographic copier, and particularly a microfiche copier, which is bothsimple in design and operation, requires minimal operation maintenance,and has the capability of providing high quality single or multiplecopies automatically.

A number of approaches have been taken in the past in an effort to meetthis need and generally have proven satisfactory for their intendedpurpose. A typical microfiche duplicator is of the direct contactexposure type where a copy sheet, in contact with an original sheet, isexposed to actinic radiation (e.g., ultraviolet light) through theoriginal and then developed. In such an apparatus, the originalmicrofiche sheet and the copy film sheet are typically fed to theexposure station of the apparatus together in order that they may beheld in direct contact and exposed while so contacted. Alternatively, ifseparate feeding devices are employed for the original and microfichesheets, means must be provided for assuring that the two sheets becomesuperposed at the exposure station and are in contact with each otherduring exposure.

Some of the prior art microfiche duplicators employ exposing apparatuswhich comprises a radiation-transparent cylinder, or at least a portionof which is radiation-transparent, around which the superposed originaland copy sheets are fed. The sheets are normally maintained in contactwith the periphery of the exposure cylinder by means of, for example,resilient and flexible conveyor belts.

Another approach of the prior art has been to dispose aradiation-transmissive flat plate above or opposite a source ofradiation, such as an ultraviolet lamp, and feed the superposed sheetspast the radiation-transmissive plate for exposure, the feeding beingaccomplished by means, of, for example, a resilient roll which functionsboth to feed the superposed sheets past the exposure lamp and tomaintain good contact between the two sheets during exposure.

Various means are also suggested in the prior art for feeding theoriginal and copy sheets to the exposure device, such as endless beltmeans or other guide means through which are fed the two sheets to theexposure station. There has been a need for apparatus for feeding theoriginal and copy sheets to the exposure device which is efficient inoperation and which is not complex in design and which accuratelyregisters the sheets together. The problem is further complicated by thefact that, in a direct contact type of microfiche duplicator, theoriginal and copy sheets must be separated from each other afterexposure so that the exposed copy sheet can be fed to the developmentmeans of the device. Therefore, the means for feeding the original andcopy sheets to the exposure device must be designed so as to permit easyseparation of the two sheets following exposure.

The problem of accurate registration of the copy with the original sheethas been recognized in the past, and the prior art has severalsuggestions for remedying this difficulty. For example, U.S. Pat. No.3,211,073, Fosse et al, discloses an automatic apparatus designed tophotographically reproduce film sections such as microfilm mounted inaperture cards. The patentees provide means for conveying thesuperimposed original and copy film sections in accurate registry past aphotoprinter device. Referring to the figures of this patent, thesuperimposed cards are placed in a "pocket" 24 and proper longitudinalalignment thereof is assured by the fact that pusher members 58 move thecards into firm contact with an upstanding flange attached to a baseplate. Proper transverse alignment is provided by an aligning assemblygenerally designated 171. Specifically, a spring mechanism serves tomove a transversely reciprocatable head 185 engaging the ends of thecards to move the same in a direction transverse to the conveyor forcingthe cards into firm contact with the inner faces of blocks 150 and 151.Following registration, a platen 155 presses the cards together andholds them so that there is no possibility for shifting of one cardrelative to the other as the individual pockets carrying the registeredcards are conveyed across the exposure unit.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,927,210, O'Mara discloses a copying machine whereinsuperimposed original and copy sheets are fed to a standby position andlongitudinally aligned by abutting a stop means which is upstanding onthe frame supporting the device. Upon retraction of the stop means, theoriginal and copy sheets begin the copying sequence and are fed throughthe exposure apparatus.

Several prior art patents disclose the use of electrostatic registrationmeans; to wit, U.S. Pat. No. 3,650,623, Beispel; U.S. Pat. No.3,661,457, Frech; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,676,001, Botkin.

Although not related to photocopying apparatus, U.S. Pat. No. 936,108,Ford discloses a feed mechanism adapted for use in feeding sheets of tinplate or other stiff material to a printing couple of a printing pressand is provided with registering means to assure that the sheets areaccurately positioned relative to the printing couple.

Thus, while the prior art suggests various techniques for assuringaccurate registration of the original copy sheets fed to the exposurestation of a photocopying device, complex apparatus is often required. Aneed exists therefore for a sheet registration device which is simple indesign and yet effective to assure accurate registry of a copy sheetwith an original microfiche sheet prior to exposure in a photocopydevice.

Of the above-described copy apparatus difficulties, one of the mostsignificant is in the separation apparatus used to separate the masterand copy sheets after exposing the copy through the master. In thosedevices which embody integral developing means with the exposing means,it is essential to separate the master and copy sheets after exposureand prior to development in order that the separated copy sheet can befed to the developing part of the apparatus, and the master returned tothe operator. If for some reason the master as well as the copy sheet isfed to the developing chamber, the master can be damaged significantlyor, at worst, the information recorded thereon can be destroyed.

The prior art suggests various techniques for assuring positiveseparation of the master and copy sheets following exposure an/prior todevelopment. For example, many prior art devices utilize vacuum means toseparate the master and copy sheets following exposure. This of courserequires at least one vacuum-inducing device upon either side of thesuperposed original/copy sheets. A typical vacuum-separation means isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,549,255, Umahashi et al.

Another suggestion involves the use of a mechanical finger which catchesthe leading edge of the original which extends beyond the leading edgeof the copy sheet thereby deflecting the original from the path leadingto the development portion of the device. Reference is made to U.S. Pat.No. 3,419,328, Klosky et al and U.S. Pat. No. 3,416,863, Ralston fordisclosure of such devices.

An alternative technique is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,215,055,Campbell et al, which relates to an automatic copying machine of thecontact printing type. A carrier (having a pair of flexible magneticstrips disposed adjacent the edge portion beyond the outer edges of theoriginal) bearing the original thereon travels around a transparentrotating drum in which is mounted a light source. A sheet of copy paperis superposed on the original and this superimposed assembly is thenadvanced between the drum and flexible guide means. Vacuum means isemployed to separate the copy sheet from the original, and in order toprevent the separation of the original from the drum when multiplecopies of the original are desired, magnetic means disposed within thetransparent drum functions to hold the carrier (bearing the originalthereon) in contact with the drum by acting with the magnetic meanslocated in the carrier. In order to separate the carrier from thesurface of the drum, a resilient ejector or deflector blade, actuated bya solenoid, contacts and resiliently biases the outer surface of therotating drum thereby separating the original therefrom despite theattractive force exercised by the magnetic holding assembly. Thecontinuing rotation of the drum moves the carrier assembly away from theouter surface of the drum and over the ejector blade which is pressedagainst the outer surface.

A related device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,574,215, Kunstadter,which relates to an automatic-photo printing device wherein thesuperimposed original and copy sheets travel around a drum in which alight source is disposed. The leading edge of the original is behind theleading edge of the copy sheet as it travels around the drum. Aseparating tongue is kept against the surface of the drum and as theleading edge of the copy sheet reaches this point, it breaks anelectromagnetic circuit an/causes the tongue to be deflected againstanother cylinder which separates the copy sheet from the original andtransports the copy sheet to the developing apparatus. The originalremains on the first drum and is returned to the operator.

Simpler devices are suggested in the prior art, including mechanicalfingers or claws which are disposed at a point intermediate the exposurestation and the development station and are designed to "catch" or"trap" either the original or copy sheets and transport them either backto the operator or to the development section, respectively.

Reference is made to the following U.S. patents which disclose othertypes of original/copy sheet separation apparatus: U.S. Pat. Nos.3,022,716; 3,324,292; 3,331,276; 3,498,709; and 3,547,538.

Despite these teachings of the prior art, which ordinarily function asintended, the need exists for a simple yet effective sheet separationdevice for positively separating a copy sheet from an original sheetafter the copy has been exposed through the original sheet therebyenabling the copy sheet to be fed to the development portion of theapparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved rectilineartransport means for feeding an original and copy sheet to the exposurestation of a photocopy machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide improvedmeans for feeding superposed original microfiche and copy film sheets tothe exposure station of a microfiche duplicator of the direct contacttype.

It is a further object of the present invention to generally provideapparatus for accurately registering a plurality of superposed thinsheets of material and specifically to provide such registration meansfor accurately registering an original microfiche sheet and a copy sheetin a microfiche duplicator.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a sheetregistration apparatus for a microfiche duplicator which is simple andyet effective to assure accurate automatic registration of the originaland copy sheets fed to an exposure station of the microfiche duplicator.

It is further an object of the present invention to generally provide aseparation device for positively separating thin sheets of film andspecifically to provide a device for separating an original microfichesheet from a copy sheet after the copy has been exposed through theoriginal in a microfiche duplicator of the contact printing type.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a sheetseparation device enabling the copy sheet to be separated from theoriginal microfiche sheet positively while at the same time enabling theoriginal sheet to be maintained in position if multiple copies thereofare desired.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a sheetseparation device which automatically and efficiently separates a copysheet from an original microfiche sheet after exposure of the copythrough the original and feeds the separated copy to a development meansin a microfiche duplicator.

The present invention accomplishes the above objects by the copyboard,the sheet registration apparatus, and the sheet separating means of thepresent invention. The copyboard includes a radiation-transmissiveplate, particularly an ultraviolet radiation-transmissive plate, whichis adapted to carry superposed thereon the original and copy sheets, theoriginal sheet being disposed adjacent the plate and between the plateand the copy sheet, the copyboard further being linearly reciprocatablebetween a loading station and an exposure station.

The copyboard of the present invention is designed to carry thesuperposed original and copy sheets to the exposure device, and afterseparation of the exposed copy sheet, the copyboard returns to itsintitial position where an additional copy sheet may then be superposedonto the original sheet remaining on the copyboard, if multiple copiesare desired.

The copyboard of the present invention is advantageous since itautomatically feeds the original and copy sheets to the exposure deviceis superposed relationship for exposure and further since it returns theoriginal microfiche sheet to the same location after every exposure,thereby facilitating the making of multiple copies. Means are providedin the present invention to prevent the original microfiche sheet frombeing separated along with the copy sheet.

The present invention also comprises a method for the direct contactexposure of a copy sheet through an original microfiche sheet, includingan improved technique for feeding the original and copy sheets to anexposure device.

The sheet registration apparatus of the present invention comprisesfirst and second stop means disposed on first and second opposite sidesof a copyboard in a microfiche duplicator and movable relative to eachother responsive to movement of the copyboard from the loading stationto the exposure station; and third and fourth stop means disposed onthird and fourth opposite sides of the copyboard and movable relative toeach other responsive to the movement of the copyboard from the loadingstation to the exposure station.

The improved means for separating superposed thin sheets of materialincludes a support for the thin sheets which is provided by thecopyboard; a pick-off member cooperating with the support to engage thetop sheet and lift the same from the bottom sheet in response torelative movement between the pick-off member and the support; and aseparator on the support interposed between adjacent portions of thesheets to facilitate engagement and lifting of the top sheet by thepick-off member.

The present invention is advantageous over the prior art in that fewoperating parts are required and yet the device is effective inpositively separating an exposed copy sheet from an original sheet. Inaddition, the separation is conducted responsive to the movement of thesuperposed original and copy sheets past the exposure station. Thisautomatic separation therefore provides obvious advantages while at thesame time providing a simple yet effective means for feeding theseparated exposed copy sheet to the development means.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a microfiche duplicator in which thepreferred embodiment of the copyboard assembly, the sheet registrationapparatus, and the improved sheet separating means of the presentinvention are incorporated;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the duplicator of FIG. 1 withparts broken away;

FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the duplicator of FIG. 1 withparts broken away;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the copyboard assembly of the duplicator ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the copyboard assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of the copyboard assembly of FIG.4;

FIG. 7 is a right side elevational view of the copyboard assembly ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view in detail taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the exposure and clearing assembly of theduplicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the exposure and clearingassembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a left side elevational view of the exposure and clearingassembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a right side elevational view of the exposure and clearingassembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view in elevation of the exposure and clearingassembly of FIG. 9 illustrating the sheet registration apparatus in afirst position;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 13 illustrating the sheetregistration apparatus in a second position;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view in section of the exposure and clearingassembly and developing assembly of the duplicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view of the sheet separation assembly of theduplicator of FIG. 1 in a first position;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 16 showing the sheetseparation assembly in a second position;

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 16 showing the sheetseparation assembly in a third position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For purposes of example, the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention will be described herein in connection with a completemicrofiche duplicator having particularly advantageous operationalcharacteristics. It should be understood, however, that the presentinvention is adapted for use with any number of diverse systems notdisclosed herein only for the sake of brevity.

A microfiche duplicator embodying the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 1 and is housed in a cabinet structure indicated generally at 10having a base 12 in the form of a hollow cabinet supported on legs 14.Mounted atop the base cabinet 12 is a main housing 16 divided into areproduction compartment 18 and a control and supply compartment 20. Thereproduction compartment 18 houses the main reproduction apparatus ofthe duplicating machine and may be provided with any number of suitableremovable cover assemblies such as side and top covers 22 and 24. Cover24 is designed to expose the copyboard assembly 26 for the reproductionapparatus to be described below such that an original microfiche sheetmay be conveniently placed atop the copyboard at the beginning of a copysequence. The remaining reproduction apparatus is shielded from view topresent an aesthetically pleasing appearance complementary to the officearea where it is to be used. A main control panel 28 is disposed on thefront of the control and supply compartment 20 and facilitates theoperation and sequence selection of the machine.

Before proceeding with a detailed description of the copyboard, sheetregistration means, and sheet separating means of the invention, a briefgeneral description of the operation of the duplicating machine will bepresented for purposes of clarity.

The duplicator is turned on by depressing the appropriate switch oncontrol panel 28 whereupon the apparatus readily assumes a stand-by orready mode for the initiation of a reproduction sequence. The readystate is indicated by the ignition of a suitable lamp on control panel28, and thereafter an operator may conveniently insert an originalmicrofiche sheet 32 atop the copyboard 26. With the microfiche 32manually placed approximately in the proper position on the copyboard 26for reproduction, a sequence initiation switch on panel 28 is actuatedcausing a preselected length of copy film to be advanced from a bulkfilm roll located within the housing behind panel 30. After thepreselected length of film has been advanced from the film supply roll,the copy sheet is severed and falls atop the original sheet 32 oncopyboard 26.

With the above steps completed, the copyboard assembly 26 isautomatically sequenced to begin movement toward the rear of themachine, which movement causes the original and copy microfiche sheetsto be brought into precise registration. As the copyboard 26 advancesrearwardly, the copy sheet is exposed through the original until theentire exposure has been made. With the copyboard continuing itsrearward movement, the copy sheet is automatically separated from theoriginal sheet, and it continues its rearward movement beyond theexposure station and into a development chamber in the reproductioncompartment 18. As the copy sheet advances through the developmentchamber, the original is brought back to the front of the duplicatingmachine by a rapid forward movement of the copyboard back to itsoriginal loading position.

The copy sheet continues its advancement through the developing chamberwhich is constructed in a generally U-shaped configuration such that thecopy sheet exits from the developing chamber in a forward-goingdirection toward the front of the apparatus. The copy sheet then passesthrough a clearing station which is activated only when vesicular typecopy films are used and is placed in a passive or stand-by mode forconveyance purposes only when diazo films are employed. The copy sheetis then received in a collection tray 34 located under the loadingstation or initial position of copyboard 26, and the sequence iscompleted.

If it is desired to make multiple copies of an original microfichesheet, the above process may be repeated by selection of the appropriatecontrol on panel 28 with more than one copy sheet being fed through theequipment at any one time as the copyboard moves back and forth betweenloading and exposure stations. As will become clear as the descriptionproceeds, the present invention has the capability of making not onlysingle or multiple copies but further may utilize diazo or vesicularfilm types developed in the case of diazo film with an aqueous oranhydrous developing agent supply.

A detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention isas follows. Referring to FIGS. 4 through 8, the copyboard assemblyincludes an ultraviolet transmissive plate 26 (FIG. 1) which may be madeof any suitable material such as treated or coated glass designed topass ultraviolet radiation from the exposure source of the duplicatingsystem to the original and copy sheets resting atop the plate 26. It isalso preferred that plate 26 be designed to filter as much as possibleof the unwanted radiations emitted from the ultraviolet source as wellas heat so as to prevent damage or deterioration of the film sheetsduring the duplicating process. Plate 26 is attached in an opening 200defined by a generally rectangular copyboard housing 202 having adownwardly extending flange 204 along its left side supporting at spacedpoints a pair of roller bearings 206 and 208. Bearings 206 and 208 areadapted to ride along an elongated guide rail 210 (FIG. 10) mounted upona frame member to be described below. Guide rail 210 may be of anysuitable design and is preferably square in cross section as shown inFIG. 10. A micro-switch trip bar 212 having a pair of protrusions 214and 216 formed on the ends thereof is also affixed along the lower edgeof side flange 204 as illustrated in FIG. 6.

A pair of linear bearings 218 and 220 are suitably attached to the righthand side of the copyboard 202 and ride along a shaft 222 fixedlysecured to the frame of the duplicator housing in a longitudinalhorizontal position as illustrated in FIG. 10. Attached to the top ofcopyboard housing 202 is a generally L-shaped fixed left side stop 224and a suitable clamp plate 226. Also, a forward edge stop assembly,indicated generally at 236 and mounted on copyboard housing 202,includes a pair of parallel arms 228 and 230 pivotally mounted at oneend to the copyboard at points 232 and 234 and similarly pivotallymounted at their other ends to an adjustable carriage plate 238. Plate238 supports a compressible, rectangular sheet of material such as afoamed plastic or rubber composition 240 having disposed on its uppersurface a thin semi-rigid sheet of plastic 242. The edge of plasticsheet 242 closest to the copyboard plate 26 overhangs the compressibleelement 240 by a slight amount, such as an eighth of an inch, so thatthe forward edge of an original microfiche sheet may be placed under thetop sheet 242 and against the front side surface of element 240. Theaforementioned structure is illustrated diagrammatically in FIGS. 16, 17and 18. A spring 239 is held in compression between the copyboardhousing 202 and the slotted right end of carriage plate 238 causing thesame to be biased toward the end of a screw 241 adjustably positioned bythe rotation of a knob 243. In this manner, the longitudinal position ofassembly 236 with respect to copyboard plate 26 may be readily adjustedby rotating knob 243 thereby swinging the parallelogram formed by arms228 and 230 and carriage plate 238 in the plane of the copyboard housing202.

To facilitate the insertion of an original microfiche sheet atop thecopyboard plate 26, a pair of front stop members 244 and 246, eachhaving a pair of spaced, upright tangs, are attached to a rotatableshaft 248 journaled on the copyboard assembly under the copyboardhousing 202. Shaft 248 extends through the side flange 204 andterminates in a rectangular arm 250 which cooperates with a spring 252to bias the shaft 248 for rotating stop members 244 and 246 to anupright position shown in FIG. 1. Also disposed between the uprighttangs of each of the stops 244 and 246 are angulated retaining members254 and 256 which ride within grooves 258 and 260, respectively, in thecopyboard housing 202. In this manner, engagement of the upper end ofarm 250, as the copyboard housing 202 moves linearly toward the rear ofthe duplicating apparatus, causes the rotation of shaft 248 and theretraction of stop members 244 and 246 into a pair of accommodatingrecesses in the housing surface. At the same time, retaining members 254and 256 are swung back and down to nest between the tangs of the stopmember such that both front stop assemblies are withdrawn from theirbiased upwardly protruding positions as shown and brought flush with thesurface of housing 202.

An elongated lever 262 of generally L-shaped cross section is connectedto the front of the copyboard assembly housing 202 at each end bymembers 264 (FIG. 8) and 266 (FIG. 7) which are pivotally secured to theunderside of the copyboard housing 202. Referring to FIG. 8, member 264,which is disposed on the left side of lever 262 as visualized in FIG. 4,is pivotally mounted at point 268 and is connected through an arm 270and a pin 272 to a triangular link 274 rotatable about pivot 276. Link274 is biased to the position illustrated in FIG. 8 by spring 278 anddefines a slot 280 which accommodates pin 272 of arm 270. The apex oflink 274 is pivotally secured to a rectangular link member 282 defininga slot 284 accommodating the pin 286 of a generally triangular eccentricarm 288 fixedly secured to the shaft 248 of stop members 244 and 246.Eccentric 288 assumes a rest position as illustrated in FIG. 8 which maybe adjusted by the setting of a small screw 290 through the copyboardhousing 202.

In operation, downward pressure exerted upon lever 262, as by the handof an operator, causes the rotation of member 264 about point 268 in acounter-clockwise direction. The counter-clockwise movement of member264 is transmitted to the triangular link 274 causing the same to rotateclockwise about point 276. Link member 282 is thus moved rearwardly torotate the eccentric member 288 counter-clockwise thus rotating shaft248 and causing the retraction of stop members 244 and 246 as previouslydescribed. In this manner, at the start of a reproduction sequence, anoperator may merely depress lever 262 causing the aforedescribedlinkages to rotate shaft 248 and retract stops 244 and 246 so as tofacilitate the insertion of an original microfiche sheet with theleading edge thereof resting against the compressible member 240 underthe overhanding front edge of plastic sheet 242. Thereafter, lever 262may be released whereby stops 244 and 246 revert to their biased uprightpositions so as to properly orient the original microfiche sheetlongitudinally of the copyboard housing 202. Further, as the originalmicrofiche sheet is placed by an operator atop plate 26 adjacent leftfixed stop 224, the duplicator will automatically thereafter providepositive lateral alignment of the original sheet by the operation of apair of laterally movable right stops 292 and 294.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 10, stops 292 and 294 protrude from the uppersurface of a generally Z-shaped bent plate 296 which has securedcentrally thereto an elongated collar 298 which is journaled forrotation about a shaft 300 suitably affixed to the copyboard housing202. Plate 296 is biased by a spring element 302 in a counter-clockwisedirection as visualized in FIG. 10, thus tending to bring stop members292 and 294 to an upright position against a pair of recesses 304 and306 formed in the copyboard plate 26. A cam roller 308 is centrallydisposed upon the lower distal arm of member 296 and cooperates with alinear cam 310 for rotating member 296 and thus causing the movement ofstops 292 and 294 with respect to the fixed left stop member 224 as thecopyboard assembly moves along its linear path of travel. As shown inFIG. 12, cam 310 has a generally flat surface 312 and a flat recessedsurface 314 such that stop members 292 and 294 are normally held in aposition away from left stop member 224 and move toward stop 224 asroller 308 rides along cam 310 and into recess 314.

A gear rack 320 is attached along the right side of copyboard housing202 and cooperates with a circular gear 322 which is driven through aslip clutch 324 by a reversible DC motor 326. Motor 326 is attached atplate 328 to the frame member of the exposure assembly to be describedbelow. Thus, as the DC motor 326 rotates gear 322, the copyboardassembly is moved linearly along a longitudinal path on roller bearings206 and 208 and linear bearings 218 and 220.

In operation, after an original microfiche sheet has been inserted overthe copyboard plate 26 as described above, a preselected length of copyfilm is supplied by the film feed and cutting assemblies 44 and 46 (FIG.2) and falls atop the original sheet on the copyboard housing 202.Details of the film feed and cutting assemblies 44 and 46 have beenomitted for the sake of brevity as they form no part of the inventionand any type of film feed and cutting apparatus known in the art couldbe employed. The copy film could even be hand cut and placed by handupon the copyboard.

After placement of the copy film on the copyboard, actuation of DC motor326 causes the copyboard assembly to move linearly toward the rear ofthe duplicator whereupon roller 308 rides along cam 310 into recess 314causing the rotation of stops 292 and 294 toward the fixed left stop 224to move both the original and copy sheets against the stop member 224for precise lateral registration thereof. As will be more clearlyappreciated as the description proceeds, after roller bearing 308traverses the recessed groove 314 in cam 310 it will ride up ontosurface 312 thereby retracting stops 292 and 224 from interference withthe exposure roller (to be described below) as the copyboard assemblycontinues its rearward movement. Likewise, an elongated rectangular cam330 affixed to the left side of the frame of the exposure assemblycooperates with arm 250 of shaft 248 such that the same engages cam 330and is rotated thereby as the copyboard moves through the exposurestation for retracting upright stops 244 and 246 to preclude damage tothe exposure assembly as the copyboard completes its rearward movement.

Also carried on the copyboard housing 202 is a flat guide plate 332 anda linear cam 334 aligned longitudinally along the left edge of thehousing 202 and similar in configuration to that of linear cam 310. Cam334 thus defines a main, flat cam surface 336 having formed therein anotch-like recess 338 for cooperation with the roller bearing of a copysheet pick-off assembly to be described below. In addition, the forwardedge portion of copyboard housing 202 is tapered at surface 340 (FIG. 7)adjacent guide plate 332 for cooperative engagement with a soft pressureroller on the rearward pass of the copyboard assembly during areproduction sequence.

The exposure station of the duplicating apparatus is illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 9 - 12 and includes a frame formed of a base plate 398having a pair of side plates 400 and 402 affixed thereto in spacedparallel relationship. Each of the side plates 400 and 402 is generallyrectangular in configuration and has a pair of extension ears 404-406and 408-410, respectively, extending orthogonally from an upper rearcorner thereof. Guide rail 210 of the copyboard assembly is horizontallysecured to frame plate 400 as shown in FIG. 10 as is the support rod 222for linear bearings 218 and 220. Further, motor 326 for driving thecopyboard assembly is attached at plate 328 by suitable means such asscrews to the side plate 402 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12. A suitableflat, rectangular plate 412 extends between and is rigidly secured toears 406 and 410 of side plates 400 and 402, respectively, to providethe necessary structural rigidity for the entire frame assembly.

A soft roller 414, constructed of any suitable material such as solid orfoam rubber, is mounted for free rotation about a transverse shaft 416connected between plates 400 and 402. Roller 414 is disposed forengagement with the upper surface of the copyboard assembly housing 202as the same is moved rearwardly of the duplicating apparatus by motor326 to maintain the original and copy microfiche sheets in firm contactagainst each other and against the surface of the copyboard plate 26during movement of the same. Cooperating with the soft roller 414 is acopy film drag assembly which includes a generally curved support member418 frictionally secured to the hub of roller 414 by a pair of spacedleg members 420 and 422. A stop member 424 protruding from the insidesurface of flange 406 of frame side plate 400 cooperates with a recessedgroove 426 in leg member 422 to define the limits of rotary movement ofthe drag cover 418. As shown in FIG. 10, a pair of thin, rectangularstrips 428 and 430, of rubber or other resilient material, are securedto the lower front corners of member 418 and cooperate with thecopyboard assembly and the soft roller 414 to engage the forward edge ofa copy sheet and exert a drag force thereupon to shift the copy sheetagainst stop members 244 and 246 for precise longitudinal registrationof original and copy sheets of microfiche as the copyboard assemblymoves rearwardly of the duplicating apparatus. Also disposed on thefront surface of member 418 is a centrally protruding nose 423 whichgently engages the exposed surface of the copy sheet to correct forimproper alignment caused by any film curl existing in the original orcopy film sheets.

Thus, as the copyboard housing 202, containing both original and copysheets, begins to move rearwardly of the duplicator, the inclinedforward surface 340 of the copyboard housing will engage the perpheralsurface of soft pressure roller 414 causing the same to be rotated asthe copyboard continues its forward advancement. Since cover member 418is in frictional engagement with the hub of pressure roller 414, theinitial rotation of the roller caused by the movement of the copyboardhousing rotates the cover in a clockwise direction as visualized in FIG.11 to bring the rubber drag members 428 and 430 downwardly into contactwith the top surface of the copyboard. At the same time, the protrudingnose 432 of plate 418 swings down over the center of the advancing copyand original sheets flatening the curl thereof and gently urging thesame against the surface of plate 26.

Upon continued rearward movement of the copyboard assembly, stop 424engages the rear edge of groove 426 precluding further rotation of plate418 as the pressure roller 414 continues to be moved by the advancingcopyboard housing 202. The drag members 428 and 430 thereafter engagethe forward edge of the copy sheet causing the same to be slid intoengagement with stops 246 and 244 assuring precise registration of thecopy sheet with the original microfiche carried by the copyboard.Further advancement of the copyboard assembly causes the registered copyand original microfiche sheets to be brought under the pressure roller414 maintaining the microfiche sheets in firm contact with each otherand with the top surface of the transmissive plate 26 for exposure ofthe copy sheet as will be described below.

A generally triangular flat copy sheet pick-off plate 450 is pivotallysecured along its rear edge on a shaft 452 mounted between plates 400and 402 of the exposure frame assembly. In this manner, the apex of thetriangular plate 450 is centrally disposed with respect to the copyboardassembly and points to the front of the duplicating apparatus asillustrated in FIG. 9. A roller bearing 454 is attached to the distalend of a linkage arm 456 having its proximal end rigidly secured to thetriangular pick-up plate 450 at its left side as viewed in FIG. 10.Roller bearing 454 cooperates with linear cam 334 carried upon thecopyboard housing 202 to lift the apex of the triangular pick-off plate450 slightly away from the copyboard surface until the forward edge ofthe copy sheet has just passed the pressure roller 414. Thereafter,roller bearing 454 will ride into recess 336 in cam 334 enabling theapex of the pick-off plate 450 to engage the top surface of the thinplastic sheet 242 covering the compressible sponge-like element 240.Since the forward edge of the original microfiche sheet is insertedbelow the overhanging edge of plastic sheet 242, and the copy microfichesheet rests atop sheet 242, the apex of the pick-off plate 450 willcause element 240 to be compressed allowing the pick-off plate to rideunder and lift off the forward edge of the copy sheet as the same isfurther advanced by the continued movement of the copyboard assembly.Also, as the roller bearing 454 rides out of the recess 336 and onto thesurface 338 of cam 334, the apex of pick-off plate 450 is raised abovethe copyboard surface thereby lifting the copy sheet away from theoriginal microfiche sheet to simply, effectively and positively separatethe two as the copyboard housing 202 progresses to the rear of theduplicating apparatus.

As noted briefly above, after the copy sheet has been separated from theoriginal, the exposed copy thereafter proceeds to a developing stationwhile the original microfiche sheet is transported upon the copyboardback to the front of the duplicator. In order to preclude fouling of theoriginal sheet upon the forward-going return of the copyboard assemblywhich, for example, may be caused by the presence of a fold or curl inthe original microfiche sheet, an elongated rod-like retaining roller458 is pivotally secured to the underside of the triangular pick-offplate 450 slightly below and parallel with shaft 452 to engage theoriginal microfiche sheet and maintain the same in a generally flatposture upon the copyboard surface. Thereafter, as the copyboardcarriage returns to its initial position, the roller 458 assures thatthe same will smoothly pass below the soft pressure roller 414 withoutbecoming damaged.

An exposure lamp assembly indicated generally at 470 (FIGS. 11 and 15)is disposed transversely of the duplicator apparatus between frameplates 400 and 402 and includes a base plate 472 of generally flat,rectangular configuration adapted to be slidably secured within grooves474 and 476 formed in a pair of transverse mounting brackets 478 and480, respectively, attached between plates 400 and 402. A generallyL-shaped flange 482 is attached to base 472 and carries a threaded bolt484 adapted to be cooperatively received within a mounting bracket 468attached to plate 400. The exposure lamp assembly 470 is thusselectively removable and may be secured in position directly underneaththe soft pressure roller 414 by sliding base 472 along grooves 474 and476 and thereafter engaging bolt 484 with bracket 486. A rectangularopening is centrally defined by base plate 472 over which is disposed alight transmissive heat filter element 487 which may be constructed ofany suitable material well known to those skilled in the art.

Mounted within the lamp assembly 470 is an elongated tubular ultravioletlamp 504 which is preferably a 1000 watt ultraviolet mercury vapor lamp.Operating potential for lamp 504 may be supplied from a suitableconventional power source (not shown) through jacks (not shown) mountedupon the exposure and clearing assembly frame.

A generally parabolic elongated reflector assembly is disposed underlamp 504 and includes a first polished metal reflector element 530secured, as by screws, at its upper end to a lip 532 formed along thetop edge of flange 494. A second polished metal reflector element 534 issecured through hinge 536 and suitable screws to a lip formed along theupper edge of flange 492. Reflector element 534 is connected at itslower edge, as viewed in FIG. 15 through a pivot pin to a generallyL-shaped connecting link 540 having the shorter arm thereof securedthrough tension spring to the flange 492. A solenoid 544 is mounted toflange 492 and has its plunger 548 pivotally connected to the elbow ofL-shaped link member 540 and receives a control signal at its windingthrough a pair of conventional plugs (not shown) which cooperate withcomplementary jacks (not shown) affixed to the exposure assembly frame.In this manner, actuation of solenoid 544 causes the retraction ofplunger 548 which acts through link member 540 to swing the reflectorelement 544 away from lamp 504 to allow ultraviolet radiation to passthrough heat filter 487 for illuminating the upper surface of an endlessconveyor belt 570 for clearing vesicular type copy films.

Conveyor belt 570 is constrained between a pair of horizontally alignedspaced roller 572 and 574 extending transversely between plates 400 and402 and journaled for rotation thereupon. A gear 576 (FIG. 12) isattached to the inner end of roller 572 for cooperative engagement witha conventional (not shown) motor which drives the conveyor belt 570 atthe desired speed. Conveyor belt 570 may be constructed of any suitablematerial such as rubber impregnated fiberglass and is maintained in itsdesired lateral position by a pair of inclined rollers 578 and 580 whichare pivotally disposed upon angulated brackets 582 and 584,respectively, for engagement with the inner surface of belt 570 belowrollers 572 and 574 as shown in FIG. 10.

An inverted generally U-shaped collimator support tray 590 (FIG. 10) isslidably disposed between frame members 400 and 402 above the exposurelamp assembly 470 for supporting a suitable honeycomb collimator betweenthe ultraviolet lamp source 504 and the pressure roller 414. Thehoneycomb collimator 592 may be removed from its operative positionbetween lamp 504 and roller 414 by longitudinal movement of tray 590, ifdesired.

An exhaust duct 594 of generally rectangular cross section extendslaterally across the exposure and clearing assembly in front of the lampassembly 470 and has suitable openings adjacent the lamp assembly forexhausting the heated air surrounding the lamp from the apparatus. Duct594 communicates through a circular connector 596 to an exhaust hose 598connected with a conventional exhaust blower (not shown).

A pair of microswitches 604 and 608 are mounted upon L-shaped brackets610 and 612, respectively, secured to plate 400 of the exposure frameassembly such that the actuating arms of microswitches 604 and 608protrude through openings in the plate wall for selective engagement andactuation by protrusions 214 and 216 carried on flange 204 of thecopyboard assembly as shown in FIG. 6.

After separation of the copy sheet from the original sheet on thecopyboard assembly by the pick-off plate 450, the copy sheet is advancedby roller sets 746-748 and 752-754, which are continuously driven byconventional means (not shown), into the developing chamber 800. Thedeveloping chamber can be provided by many conventional developingapparatus, and it will be only briefly described here because it formsno part of the invention. Within the developing chamber 800 are aplurality of rollers 806, 808, 810, 812, 814, and 816 supporting endlessbelts 818 and 820 which are continuously driven by conventional drivemeans (not shown) and transport the exposed copy sheet through thedeveloping chamber 800.

Within the developing chamber 800 are heating elements provided byheating block 838, and others if desired, which provide the necessaryheat to develop the vesicular film, when that film is used or heat theammonia atmosphere within the chamber when diazo film is used. The heatcan be provided by conventional electrical means and controlled byconventional thermoswitches. The ammonia atmosphere can be provided byconventional feeding means for feeding metered quantities of anhydrousammonia and water into a receiving tray (not shown) in the bottom of thedeveloping chamber 800.

After being transported through the developing chamber 800 by belts 818and 820, the developed film is advanced by roller set 778 and 780,driven by conventional means (not shown), to conveyor 570. Conveyor 570conveys the developed diazo film to receiving tray 34 without furtherprocessing. If the duplicator is set for vesicular film, the reflectorelement 534 will be swung to its retracted position, permitting lightfrom lamp 504 to pass through heat filter 487 and shine on conveyor 570.In this mode, the film is cleared as it passes beneath the lightassembly 470.

The duplicator described in connection with the present inventionincludes a control network housed within the cabinet and constructedwith a conventional switching assemblies, such as relays, to provide thedesired control sequence for operating the system. The particularcircuit details of that control system may be of any suitable designaccomplishing the sequence to be described below. In view of the greatnumber of variations in the details of the circuit control network,which are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, no attemptwill be made herein to describe any particular circuit in detail, forthe sake of brevity. However, the desired control sequence will be fullypresented in accordance with the preferred mode of operation of thepresent invention as the description proceeds.

Prior to the beginning of a particular reproduction sequence, a roll 38of diazo or vesicular film is inserted within compartment 30 andthreaded through the film feed and cutting assemblies 44 and 46 (FIG.2). The microfiche duplicator described in connection with the presentinvention is adapted to make copies using either of these film types,dependent upon the position of a first selector switch 31 located withincompartment 36. Diazo and vesicular lamps on panel 28 apprise theoperator of the position of switch 31 when the duplicator is on. If adiazo film is used, and switch 31 is placed in its diazo selectorposition, the following sequence of events occurs as the "on" pushbutton of panel 28 is depressed.

Initially, operating potential is fed to a cooling blower in theduplicator housing and to the heating elements of the developingassembly. In addition, the developer drive motor (not shown) is turnedon causing the movement of the developer belts 818 and 820 as well asthe clearing conveyor 570. As the temperature within the developingchamber reaches approximately 160°F., the heating elements areappropriately cycled by a thermoswitch to maintain this temperature. Itis noted that the vesicular heating elements will be controlled tomaintain the temperature of the thermally conductive block 838 atapproximately 300°F when the machine is processing vesicular film.

At the same time, a metered amount of water and anhydrous ammonia is fedinto the developer to develop the diazo film. The metering means are notshown as they can be provided by any number of conventional systems andform no part of the present invention.

The exposure lamp 504 is then supplied with operating potential, and theready lamp on control panel 28 is turned on. The microfiche duplicatoris thus placed in a stand-by mode ready to receive an originalmicrofiche sheet for the making of a copy.

A second switch 33 in housing 36 may be placed in either of twopositions corresponding to the use of roll or cut sheet copy film in theduplicator. With switch 33 in the sheet supply position, the sheetindicator lamp on control panel 28 is lit, and the film advance andcutting assemblies 44 and 46 are disabled to preclude inadvertentadvance of the film from roll 38. With switch 33 in the roll feedposition, an operator may depress either the single or multiple selectorpush buttons, the number of multiple copies being preselectable by thesetting of the counter of control panel 28. If the single copy pushbutton is depressed, a motor in the film feed and cutting assemblieswill become energized, causing a precisely measured length of copy filmto be fed from the supply roll 38 and thereafter severed by a blade inthe cutting assembly 46, so as to fall atop the original microfichesheet which has been previously inserted over the copyboard plate 26.

DC drive motor 326 of the copyboard assembly will then be energized,whereupon the copyboard will be moved forward at a rate dependent uponthe setting of the exposure dial on control panel 28. The exposure dialcontrols the power to the motor 326, by conventional means such as arheostat, and thus the speed of the motor. The amount of exposure to thelight is controlled by the speed of the copyboard through the exposureassembly. Microswitches 608 and 604 of the exposure and clearingassembly coact with protrusions 214 and 216 of the copyboard to detectthe limits of movement thereof as the reproduction sequence progresses.Specifically, microswitch 608 detects the limit of forward movement ofthe copyboard, causing drive 326 to be reversed through conventionalswitching relays (not shown). As motor 326 rotates in the reversedirection, the copyboard is returned to the front of the duplicator at afaster speed than it moved to the rear of the duplicator. The copy sheetthereafter continues its advancement through the developing chamber andback toward the front of the duplicator where it is convenientlydelivered to the receiving tray 34. The original microfiche sheet ismaintained on the copyboard and is returned therewith for the making ofadditional copies if so desired.

If the multiple copy selector button is depressed on control panel 28,the above sequence is repeated for the desired number of copies, withthe copyboard carrying the original sheet back and forth along itslinear path of travel as each exposed copy sheet is cut and fed throughthe exposure and developing stations.

To further clarify the operation of the microfiche duplicator, referencewill now be made to the diagrammatic views of FIGS. 13 through 18.Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, at the start of a reproduction sequence,an original microfiche sheet 0 is placed atop the copyboard plate 26between the fixed left stop 224 (FIG. 1) and the retracted right handstops 292 and 294. As the operator inserts the original microfiche sheeton to the copyboard, lever 262 is depressed downwardly causing frontstops 244 and 246 to be retracted flush with the copyboard surface. Theleading edge of the original sheet is thereafter located underneath thethin plastic separator sheet 242 and against the front side of thecompressible sponge-like element 240. Release of lever 262 thereafterreturns the front stops 244 and 246 to their upright positions shown inFIG. 1 thereby capturing the original sheet in its proper longitudinalposition on the copyboard.

A measured and cut length of copy film C from supply roll 38 isthereafter dropped onto the copyboard approximately three-eights of aninch forward of the stops 244 and 246 and between the left and rightstop members. Thus, the copy sheet drops onto the copyboard with itsleading edge above the plastic separator element 242 enabling positiveseparation of the copy and original sheets after exposure.

As the copyboard begins its forward travel, the cammed right hand stopmembers 292 and 294 move toward the fixed left stop 224, as controlledby roller 308 and cam 310 (FIG. 10). Stops 292 and 294 thus move boththe original and copy sheets against stop 224 to provide positivelateral registration therebetween.

Further forward travel of the copyboard causes the inclined leading edge340 thereof to engage the soft pressure roller 414 causing the same torotate clockwise as visualized in FIGS. 13 and 14. The frictionalengagement of carrier plate 418 with pressure roller 414 causes the sameto rotate clockwise so as to lower the rubber drag elements 428 and 430against the copyboard surface as shown in FIG. 14. Nose number 432 alsomoves downwardly against the copyboard so as to flatten the film andremove the curl in the copy sheet to provide accurate registration asthe copyboard advances. Continued movement of the copyboard causes therubber drag elements 428 and 430 to engage the copy sheet C to slide thesame against stops 244 and 246, completing the registration sequence.

Both the cammed right hand stops 292 and 294 and stops 244 and 246maintain their upright positions until the copy and original sheets arecaptured by the pressure roller 414. Thereafter, and in response tocontinued forward movement of the copyboard assembly, the cammed righthand stops 292 and 294 are retracted to their rest positions to assureclearance with the end of the pressure roller 414. Similarly, theforward movement of the copyboard causes the engagement of arm 250 withstationary cam 330 for retracting stops 244 and 246 to their flush ornested positions within the top surface of the copyboard so that theywill pass underneath roller 414 without damaging the same.

As the registered original and copy sheets pass under pressure roller414, a compressive force is exerted thereagainst causing both sheets tobe maintained in firm contact with each other and with the copyboardplate 26 for accurate exposure. As shown in FIG. 15, the ultravioletradiation from lamp 504 is directed through a suitable slit aperturehaving a width somewhat less than the flat section of the pressureroller 414 compressed against the glass. In this manner, the copy sheetC is securely held over original sheet O for assuring distortionfreeexposure of the copy as the copyboard continues its forward travel.

As the copy sheet C is exposed, and passes beyond roller 414, it isseparated from the original sheet O by the pick-off plate 450 showndiagrammatically in FIGS. 16 through 18. As described above, theoriginal sheet O is placed in position on the copyboard so that theleading edge thereof is below the plastic separator sheet 242. Also, thecopy sheet C is aligned with the original such that its leading edge isabove the separator sheet 242 as shown. When the copyboard moves forwardbeneath the pressure roller 414, the soft foam material 240 supportingthe separator sheet 242 is compressed so that good contact between themaster or original and copy sheets is attained. As the separator 242exits from the pressure roller 414, the foam sheet 240 returns to itsoriginal shape causing the leading edges of the original and copy sheetsto be slightly separated. Further forward travel causes the rollerbearing 454 of the pick-off plate 450 to ride into recess 336 of cam 334enabling the pick-off plate to be pivoted against the separator sheet242. As plate 450 moves downwardly, the tapered leading edge thereofcompresses the foam support sheet 240 enabling the apex of the pick-offplate to ride under the leading edge of the copy sheet C. As thecopyboard continues its forward travel, the copy sheet is caused to rideup on the pick-off plate 450 with cam 334 acting through roller 454 toraise the pick-off plate away from the copyboard surface to precludedamaging the original sheet as it moves thereunder. The original sheetremains under the separator sheet 242 while the copyboard finishes itsforward travel and thereafter returns to its start or loading positionshown in FIG. 1.

Referring again to FIG. 15, the seperated copy sheet C is passed abovepick-off plate 450 and is thereafter guided between driven roller sets746-748 and 752-754 into the developing chamber. The advancing copysheet is thereafter captured between belts 818 and 820 within thechamber for transporting the copy sheet and developing the exposed imagetherein. As noted above, if the copy sheet is a diazo film the copyboardwill be exposed to ammonia, water vapor and an elevated termperature ofapproximately 160°F., causing the development of the exposed image. Ifthe copy sheet, on the other hand, is a vesicular film, the same will bedeveloped by 300° temperature of block 838 in the upper leg of thedeveloping chamber. Of course, in the vesicular mode, the anhydrousammonia solenoid valve will be deenergized, as will be the liquidmetering assembly, such that the copy sheet is merely exposed to heatfor affecting development thereof. The developed copy sheet is passedfrom the lower leg of the development chamber through driven rollers 778and 780 and into conveyor belt 570.

Conveyor belt 570 transports a developed diazo copy to the receivingtray 34 and also acts as a clearing station for a developed vesicularcopy. In the vesicular mode, preselected by switch 31, solenoid 544 isenergized to rotate reflector element 534 to the position shown indashed lines in FIG. 15. With reflector element 534 swung to itsretracted position, light from lamp 504 passes through heat filter 487and shines on the upper surface of conveyor 570. As the developedvesicular copy sheet passes under the lamp assembly 470, the light fromlamp 504 causes the same to be cleared, thus fixing the exposed anddeveloped image of the original microfiche.

It can be appreciated that the copyboard assembly and sheet feed methodof the present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior artin that it facilitates the reproduction of plural copies of film andenables both original and copy sheets to be easily and convenientlyloaded, registered, transported for exposure, and returned at feasiblemanufacturing costs and with high reliability.

Inasmuch as the present invention is subject to many variation,modifications and changes in detail, it is intended that the foregoingdescription be interpreted as illustrative of a preferred mode and notin a limiting sense. For example, the sheet registration apparatus andmethod of the present invention has general utility for use with diverseapparatus such as punched card readers, production line sortingmachines, reproduction apparatus, and the like. As such, it may be usedin any application where a plurality of sheets of like size must beplaced in accurate alignment.

What is claimed is:
 1. In an apparatus through which first and secondsuperposed thin sheets of material are conveyed in intimate contact witheach other for processing, the combination comprising:support meansmovable through the apparatus for supporting and conveying saidsuperposed sheets through the apparatus; pick-off means cooperating withsaid support means to engage the top sheet and lift the same from thebottom sheet in response to relative movement between said pick-offmeans and said support means, and separator means on said support meansinterposed between adjacent portions of said first and second sheets tofacilitate engagement and lifting of said top sheet by said pick-offmeans, said separator means comprising a member interposed only betweenthe edges first engaging the pick-off means of said sheets supported onsaid support means, whereby said sheets are in intimate contact witheach other over essentially all of their adjacent surfaces.
 2. Theinvention as recited in claim 1 wherein said separator means comprisesan elongated, flat compressible spacing member on said support means. 3.The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said separator means furtherincludes a thin, flexible member disposed atop said compressible spacingmember and overhanging the same.
 4. Apparatus for separating first andsecond superposed thin sheets of material comprising:support means forsaid superposed sheets; pick-off means cooperating with said supportmeans to engage the top sheet and lift the same from the bottom sheet inresponse to relative movement between said pick-off means and saidsupport means, said support means being reciprocally, rectilinearlymovable with respect to said pick-off means; and separator means on saidsupport means interposed between adjacent portions of said first andsecond sheets to facilitate engagement and lifting of said top sheet bysaid pick-off means.
 5. The invention as recited in claim 1 furtherincluding cam means cooperating with said pick-off means and saidsupport means to move said pick-off means into engagement with said topsheet for lifting the same.
 6. The invention as recited in claim 1 incombination with a microfiche duplicator wherein said first and secondsheets comprise copy and original sheets of microfiche.
 7. Apparatus forseparating a first thin sheet of material from direct superposition witha second thin sheet of material comprising:a support frame carrying saidsuperposed thin sheets upon an upper surface thereof; pick-off meansmovable between a retracted position spaced from said upper surface ofsaid frame and an extended position in close proximity thereto; spacingmeans on said frame interposed along the leading edges of said first andsecond sheets; said support frame and said pick-off means being movablerelative each other; and cam means cooperating with said pick-off meansand said support frame in response to relative movement therebetween totranspose said pick-off means [1] from said retracted position to saidextended position for engaging said spacing means and riding under theleading edge of said first sheet and [2] from said extended position tosaid retracted position for lifting said first sheet from said secondsheet and guiding the same from each other.
 8. The invention as recitedin claim 7 wherein said spacing means is formed of a material which iscompressible by movement of said pick-off means to said extendedposition.
 9. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said pick-offmeans comprises a generally triangular flat plate having an apex thereofdisposed for selective engagement with said first sheet.
 10. Theinvention as recited in claim 7 in combination with a microficheduplicator wherein said first and second sheets comprise copy andoriginal sheets of microfiche.